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Remy reveals he had cancer relapse

NESN broadcaster doesn't expect to miss time in booth this season

4/10/13: Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy discusses the recurrence of his lung cancer and the steps he has taken to fight it

By Ian Browne
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MLB.com |

BOSTON -- Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy revealed in an interview Wednesday night on NESN that he had a cancer relapse during the offseason, but he is confident that he will be fine.

Remy missed a large portion of the 2009 season recovering from lung cancer and then dealing with depression in the aftermath.

This time, Remy said the cancer was found in a different spot in his lungs. It was spotted during his regular six-month CT scan in January.

"It's something they've been keeping an eye on since my first cancer surgery. They've watched very closely for the last four years," Remy said. "A little thing bubbled up and they felt like it was time to do a biopsy on it, and they did the biopsy and the biopsy came out positive."

Remy took a brief leave from Spring Training to get radiation treatment. He was back in Florida for his next scheduled broadcast.

"I was diagnosed again with cancer and I had radiation treatment in March and right now, I'm fine," Remy said.

Remy elaborated on the situation in an interview with MLB.com and a couple of other media outlets in the back of the press box during Wednesday's rain delay.

"I was very lucky to get it early like last time," Remy said. "This time I didn't need surgery. I came back from Spring Training for a week, had radiation treatment for four days at [Massachusetts General Hospital]."

He came out with the news Wednesday night for a reason.

"I always told the fans of New England that I would be honest them if things health-wise with me were not great," Remy said. "I know the last couple of years I missed some games. Not because of this, but because of regular colds or bronchitis, whatever it might be. I always told the people that I would be totally honest with them and what I've gone through.

"Last time, I had cancer and depression. This time, I've been diagnosed again with cancer, but it's under control and I just wanted to be honest with the people about it."

A Somerset, Mass., native, Remy lived out the dream of playing for his hometown Red Sox from 1978-84. That was after a stint with the Angels.

Remy's popularity in New England has gained cult-like status since he moved into the NESN broadcast booth in 1988.

Remy has formed a deep connection with audience over the years, and that's why he felt the responsibility to keep Red Sox fans apprised of his latest development.

"Not the same spot -- a different spot," Remy said during his interview with the media. "But it's one they were suspicious of and were watching very closely."

"They tested it -- it was the second time I was biopsied for that same spot," he said on NESN. "First time, it came out negative, but the second time, it was positive about a year later."

Though there never any guarantees when it comes to someone's health, Remy doesn't expect his health to keep him out of any games this season.

Remy said there are no further treatments planned at this time. He will go back for a CT scan in three months, and again, three months after that. Then he will go back to his previous schedule of six-month checkups.

Unlike his first go-around, when he was blindsided by the news and wound up depressed, Remy is confident that he is out in front of the situation this time.

"I just want to thank everybody who has supported me for 26 years and I plan on being around for a long time," Remy said. "I have no intention of leaving this job for a long, long time. I just have to take better care of myself and hope this is the end of it and continue on doing what I love doing best and that's Red Sox baseball games. And again, early detection. See your doctor."

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.